“Helen Reddy Would Be Ashamed” is about a group of teenagers at an all-girls’ school that have to pick a topic to work on for their social justice class. One of them suggests feminism, which the others feel is a pointless topic to bring up in their always pro-woman environment.

2. Why does this play need to be performed at the theatre?

The story takes place in a high school classroom and high school, to me, felt a lot like theatre. Everything was very high energy and the girls in the play are too. I think you can feel that best in a live performance.

3. How long have you been writing stories?

Ever since I learned it was an option. When I was in the fifth grade we read The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and as part of the lesson plan, I received my first creative writing assignment. I got so into it, I built it up into a novel length epic in this big, red notebook I carried everywhere.

4. What play have you seen in person the most in your life?

This might be an odd one, but I am absolutely in love with Twelfth Night. Any adventure that has crossdressing, pirates and shenanigans has me won over. I go out of my way to see it any chance I get.

5. What artists would you love to work with?

My most intense nerd dream is to write something alongside Kevin Smith. I love the way he does dialogue.

6. How many stories/plays have you written?

I have written more short stories than I can count. As for plays, I have written around 7 or so one-act and short plays. I also have finished one full-length play and am working on my second.

7. What motivated you to write this stage play?

I went to an all-girls’ school. It wasn’t as glamorous as it’s portrayed in the movies. Nearly all my classmates were overachievers who traded sleep for multiple extracurriculars and complained about having to write about other women over and over again in papers. Despite our grumbling, we secretly enjoyed it. I wanted to write something that reflected that.

8. Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?

I do. I set a timer for 30 minutes and write as much as I can while listening to instrumental music. When that’s done, I set a timer for 15 minutes and try to do something else to take my mind off of it, usually video games. Then I repeat until I can’t write anymore.

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Animation. I cannot do it myself. I can’t even draw. However, for me, seeing a good animated film is like being a kid at a magic show. Sometimes, I’m not just enthralled, but even moved. For instance, when I saw The Wind Rises in theaters, I wept. Not because of the story, although it was excellent and moving, but because of the clearly painstaking work that went into every frame. I realize that might sound like a crazy reaction, but passion is a little nuts.

10. What influenced you to enter the WILDsound Festival?

I had previously entered the longline competition. I received an email asking if I would like to submit to the 10 Page Stageplay Festival. I had a short play on deck and figured that I had nothing to lose.

11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

If you want to write, chances are you’re going to get rejected a lot. However, there’s no shame in getting rejected. That’s a part of life. The only real way to lose is to give up. So keep going. Eventually, you’ll write something that someone else likes or maybe even loves and it’ll be one of the most gratifying experiences you’ll ever have.